Things To Keep In Mind When Travelling Overseas With Children

Thank you Nancy for this Guest Post!

 

Travelling overseas can be at times both exciting and stressful. It is exciting because it gives us the opportunity to explore new places, interact with different cultures, and generally make a break with the routine of our daily lives. On the other hand, the challenges of flying, seeking accommodations, and getting around in a strange place can all certainly make for a stressful experience at times.

That stress is usually only accentuated when we have children in tow. If our family is travelling overseas for vacation, business, or family purposes, we certainly don’t want to leave our children behind for any amount of time. But there’s no doubt that long flights, airport delays, and hotels that can’t offer the creature comforts of home can all put strain on a parent.

On this note, if you are planning to travel overseas with your children, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Be Flexible

You might embark with lavish plans for touring Paris or Venice, but it’s always important to travel with an air of flexibility when children are involved. Be prepared to make last-minute changes in your schedule if the kids grow antsy, tired, or hungry.  Flexibility should also entail having the financial resources to buy medicine, take a cab, or get some food at any time. It can therefore be helpful to have a credit card with you that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, such as a Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Keep in mind that a search for “credit card cash back best” is probably not going to help you out as much while travelling overseas, so find the card you wish to carry with you before you leave home.

Consider Health Restrictions

There are some countries where health advisories require vaccinations or shots before travelling. Sometimes it is inadvisable to give certain of these vaccinations to children, especially to younger ones who are currently undergoing a standard vaccination timetable back home. If you want to avoid a good deal of hassle and worry, then, it’s probably best to check the U.S. Department of State website before planning any trip with your kids.

Always Have Food

You can’t prepare for each and every possibility while travelling with your kids, but by always carrying a supply of food you can avoid many of the most frequent problems that arise when children are involved. Whether you’re sightseeing or stuck at the airport, you simply can’t go wrong by having a bag of sandwiches on hand, just in case.

These are a few of the considerations that any parent should keep in mind when travelling overseas with children. A overseas trip can be incredibly fun and enjoyable – even for a young family – but it is always important to be prepared.